If you’re a video editor looking for the best value without sacrificing performance, the M4 Mac Mini base model might just be the perfect choice.
With Apple’s newest M4 chip, this compact computer delivers impressive speed and efficiency, allowing you to handle even demanding editing tasks without breaking the bank.
It’s not just about price. The M4 Mac Mini has the best performance per cost compared to any other Mac out there, and that’s why most people doing consumer level to content creating should consider this Mac overall
Don’t Fret about storage
One of the first concerns you may have with the M4 Mac Mini base model is storage capacity, as it only comes with a 256GB SSD.
I remember when I opted for an iMac with a 256 gb SSD compared to a Fusion Drive. Storage is great but offloading storage is more realistic and when your on a budget it’s not that difficult.
While 256GB can feel limiting, especially when dealing with large video files, it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker if you manage it strategically.
Many editors, myself included, rely on external storage solutions to keep files organized and free up space on the main drive.
Using a Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) can be an efficient way to store large libraries of footage without cluttering up your Mac’s internal storage.
A NAS lets you access files over your network, so you don’t even need to plug anything in—your footage is available anytime with just a few clicks.
Alternatively, for editors who prefer a more straightforward approach, an external SSD can also be an excellent solution, offering high-speed transfers and portable storage that’s easy to move between workstations.
By keeping your storage external, you can maintain a clean and organized workflow on your Mac Mini, only using the internal SSD for active projects that need that extra speed like applications or projects you’re currently working on.
With a bit of planning, that 256GB internal storage limitation becomes much more manageable.
16GB of Ram Is Enough
Ram is a key factor when it comes to multitasking and performance in video editing.
The M4 Mac Mini base model includes 16GB of RAM, which may sound modest, especially when you see higher-end models boasting 32GB or more.
However, 16GB is actually more than sufficient for most typical video editing projects, even those in 4K resolution.
Unless you’re working with extremely high-resolution footage (like 8K) or handling complex projects loaded with effects and color grading, 16GB will cover you well.
Apple’s M4 chip architecture is incredibly efficient, and the optimized integration between macOS and the hardware means that this machine can handle more than you might expect.
In my own experience editing sizable projects on a 16GB Mac, I’ve found playback and rendering times to be smooth, even with multiple video layers and effects.
The cost of upgrading to 32GB simply isn’t worth it for most editors, especially if budget is a concern.
Saving money here lets you put more of your budget toward other components, like an external display or faster storage.
In short, 16GB of RAM is surprisingly capable and won’t leave you feeling like you’re missing out.
Speed and Performance:
Next, let’s address one of the standout features of the M4 Mac Mini—its impressive speed and performance.
Thanks to the dedicated media engines in the M4 chip, the Mac Mini base model is optimized to handle video editing tasks with remarkable efficiency.
These media engines are specifically designed to accelerate tasks like rendering and encoding, meaning you won’t need a massive CPU or GPU to get fast results.
It will also outperform any older, higher-end machines that lack the media engines.
While the Mac Mini might not match the sheer power of a Mac Studio, it’s capable of handling most tasks with ease, and for the price, it’s hard to beat.
If you occasionally work on bulk exports or high-resolution projects, an upgrade to a higher-end Mac might be worthwhile, but for standard editing work, the M4 Mac Mini performs exceptionally well.
With a price tag far below Apple’s more premium options, this model gives you excellent performance for your dollar, making it a true value machine.
If you’re considering an older Mac Studio or M1 Max, this machine will keep up with stronger CPU power but slightly worse export times. But when it comes down to cost, this is by far the winner. You can buy 2 or 3 Mac minis compared to the cost of an older Mac.
Display Options
One thing to consider with the Mac Mini is that it doesn’t come with a built-in display, so you’ll need to invest in an external monitor.
Choosing a display can be tricky, as Macs often require displays with higher-quality scaling to avoid text and image distortion.
Apple’s Pro Display XDR is stunning but costs more than many people’s entire computer setups, making it unrealistic for budget-conscious buyers. It’s like the cost of a used car.
For a more affordable Mac-friendly option, the Apple Studio Display is a solid choice, offering excellent resolution and color accuracy at a relatively lower price point, around $1500.
If you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly choice, consider picking up a used LG UltraFine display, which is highly compatible with Macs and delivers good quality for about $500.
Here are two other options:
I personally use a used LG UltraFine, and it has been a great investment; the image quality is outstanding, and it pairs well with the Mac Mini’s graphics capabilities.
You get sharp, vibrant visuals that match what you’d expect from pricier Apple displays, making it a great way to stretch your budget.
Whatever display you choose, make sure it’s Mac-compatible to avoid scaling issues.
Choosing a keyboard and mouse
The peripherals you choose can have a significant impact on your editing efficiency and comfort.
For example, the Logitech MX Master mouse is perfect for its ergonomic design and customizable buttons, which make editing video precise with plenty of custom buttons.
I also use an Apple Trackpad alongside the MX Master; it’s perfect for scrolling and quickly moving between screens with gestures, adding another layer of control to my workflow.
For typing, the Keychron keyboard has a similar feel to Apple’s Magic Keyboard but comes at a fraction of the price, giving you a satisfying and reliable typing experience.
These peripherals enhance your setup without costing a fortune, ensuring you can work comfortably and efficiently for long editing sessions.
Investing in quality peripherals is well worth it—they’ll last a long time and add a level of precision to your editing that basic accessories just can’t match.
Considering an SSD Upgrade
If there’s one upgrade I would consider on the M4 Mac Mini, it would be the SSD.
Having extra storage internally can be convenient, especially if you’re someone who prefers to avoid juggling external drives.
While I’ve managed well with the 256GB SSD, I understand that some users want everything on their main drive for quicker access and easier file management.
A larger SSD can be a good investment if this sounds like you, as it provides more breathing room for both active projects and archived files.
That said, upgrading to a larger SSD isn’t essential—external storage solutions work just as well and often save you money.
But if budget allows, it’s something worth considering to further streamline your setup.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the M4 Mac Mini base model is a fantastic choice for video editors who need solid performance without spending a fortune.
Its combination of efficient storage solutions, capable 16GB RAM, media engine optimization, and flexibility with peripherals makes it an all-around excellent workstation for editors on a budget.
With a starting price under $600, it’s incredible how much power and functionality you’re getting in such a compact, affordable machine.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned editor looking to cut costs, the M4 Mac Mini base model has all the essentials to handle most editing tasks smoothly.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your editing setup without breaking the bank, the M4 Mac Mini might just be the answer.
